Lynx Air shutting down, no longer operating flights after Monday

Lynx Air has announced its final flights will take off Monday, as the company has filed for bankruptcy.

The airline posted the announcement Thursday night, saying it’s shutting down operations less than two years after its first flight.

Lynx first launched as an ultra low-cost carrier in April 2022, offering flights to destinations throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Thank you for your support, it’s been a pleasure to offer our affordable fares and great flying experience.

We will leave our paw prints in the sky – Lynx. ✈️ For more information, please visit our FAQ: https://t.co/MQ3OwAM8h4 pic.twitter.com/0i0lMaM5Qo

— Lynx Air (@Lynx_Air) February 23, 2024

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Despite reportedly doubling its volume of passengers over the past two years, the airline says challenges facing the company’s business have become too significant to overcome.

The Calgary-based company cites rising operating costs, high fuel prices, increasing airport charges, and a difficult economic environment as contributors to its departure from the skies.

“This is a difficult day for everyone at Lynx Air and we recognize it’s an exceptionally difficult day for our loyal customers,” a spokesperson for Lynx Air said in a statement.

“Right now, we are focused on working with passengers currently in transit to find alternative arrangements to reach their destination.”

This announcement is likely going to affect a number of people flying in and out of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, especially with March Break just over two weeks away.

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In a statement, Hamilton’s airport says the announcement from Lynx Air is unfortunate news for many.

“Though Hamilton International was only a small part of the Lynx Air network, the Airport recognizes the impact that this will have across Canada,” the airport says.

“The Airport is monitoring this situation and, while unexpected news, Hamilton International remains confident in its passenger options.”

WestJet says it is offering assistance to passengers during this time with 25 per cent off on all economy cabin fares on routes previously served by Lynx from Feb. 22 to Oct. 26.

We are aware that Lynx Air intends to cease operations as of 12:01 a.m. MT on Mon., Feb. 26, 2024. We recognize the immediate impact this has on passengers of Lynx, and are assisting where we can through the following actions: https://t.co/o3eTJ0ws5U

— WestJet News (@WestJetNews) February 23, 2024

Tatyana Tymchuk says, it was hard to hear the news, most upsetting though was the lack of communication from the company that had just hired her, and had left her without a job.

At Pearson Airport today, Lynx passengers were left scrambling to find alternative flights after their Lynx flights were canceled this morning.

Some waited long times at the airport after they were told their flights had only been delayed, only to discover it was canceled a few hours later.

Flights booked up until Sunday will operate as normal, but passengers with travel plans on or after Feb. 26 should contact their credit card company to secure refunds for pre-booked travel.